In chapter 1.5-8, James tells us to pray wisdom to know how to mature in Christ using the challenges in our lives. That is an unexpected way to pray about our struggles but James tells us it is a prayer that God is keen to answer. In chapter 3.13-18 he tells us what the wisdom we are praying for looks like so we will know when the prayer has been answered and how to respond. Wever practical, James does not only question our actions but also our emotions, will and thoughts.  Bitter envy and selfish ambition cannot help us grow but the gift of wisdom from God grows a harvest of right things in our lives (3.17,18).